Conventional Matters

First off, kudos to the folks at OutlantaCon 2020 for being on top of things with a robust and practical plan for the convention during the current Covid-19 outbreak, for acknowledging that we each have to make the call for ourselves, and for graciously accepting the call when it’s made.

In my case, the call was not an easy one. I love this convention, the people who put it on, the guests and attendees. I love the mischief they get me into. It’s a convention I always want on my schedule. However, age and several chronic medical issues put me squarely in the segment of the population most seriously affected by the Covid-19 virus, with air travel and large groups of people being serious risks. The decision to cancel was not an easy one, but the right one under the circumstances.

That doesn’t mean I have to like it, or that I’m still not sorry I have to cancel.

On the one hand, I’m happy to begin my 2020 convention schedule and looking forward to the fun that is AnachroCon. On the other hand, I’m sad that this will be the final year for that lovely convention. But it will be going out in style - 1920s style. Flappers and Speakeasies and Mobsters, Oh MY!

When not on a panel, I’ll be spending as much time as possible at my spot in the Dealer Room, selling the limited number of books I can when flying a trip, and enjoying visits and conversations with those who stop by.

Here are my assignments for Programming, and they look like fun. Unless otherwise noted, all panels are 50 minutes in length.

7:00pm - That Took Me Out Of The Story! How to avoid losing your readers.: You can’t foresee what might disconnect a reader from your story, but there are some common trip points. Panelists: Lee Martindale, Cecilia Dominic (M), Jo Scott

Saturday, Feb. 15

3:00pm - How To Research Effectively. We discuss how to get the details right without wandering in the wastelands or becoming ensnared. Panelists: Lee Martindale (M), Matthew Quinn, Cecilia Dominic

Sunday, Feb. 16

11:00am - "How I Did It" Different Writers Do Different Stuff, Differently. We discuss and compare our methodology.

...when a decision you know is inevitable must be made. When going one way is impossible, and going the other breaks your heart. For me, that day came this week.

If you know me or have been reading here for any time at all, you know how much I love the convention known as Dragon Con. Except for two years when WorldCon, where I had to be while on the SFWA Board of Directors, fell on the same weekend, Dragon Con has been, professionally and personally, the highlight of every convention year since 2008.

But it goes beyond that. Dragon Con has been a family reunion and gathering of the clan. It’s been spending time in the company of people who had my back, made me laugh, facilitated experiences that I would never have dreamed I’d be part of, and been there with what I needed when I needed it to do what I do. Friends who fit the definition of “family of the heart”.

The decision I’d been putting off couldn’t be put off any longer. The upper body strength that, as a wheelchair-using paraplegic, I’ve been relying on has been degrading over the year or so. Strength and stamina have likewise decreased. Solo travel and the physical stresses of a weeklong, 80,000-attendee convention spread out over multiple hotels and venues has become more than my body can handle.

I’m still able to work smaller, shorter conventions, and will be doing so. But not Dragon Con. That day has passed.

For all the wonderful memories, to my DC family, friends, and fans - thank you for everything. It was one hell of a good ride.

The final convention on my 2019 schedule is now a happy memory, in what was a very special travel year for me. It began in February with the 10th Anniversary AnachroCon, on the theme of “Time Travelers’ Ball” and in the company of many of my Atlanta con family. The first convention of the year is always a joy, and one that encourages me to pack a bit of costuming even better.

In May, I guested at the final gathering of Wholanta!, a convention that’s been near and dear to my heart since Atlanta fandom seduced me into the world of Doctor Who in 2007. Many happy memories of that convention over the years, and I’m going to miss it.

Also in May, it was out to Los Angeles for the Nebula Awards Weekend, where my volunteer work for the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America was recognized with the 2019 Kevin J. O’Donnell, Jr. Service to SFWA Award. To say this means the world to me is putting it mildly. I managed *not* to cry, but it was a very near thing.

The week around Labor Day Weekend saw me, once again, at Dragon Con, where I did two sold-out sessions of the “Killer Openings” workshop, a mentoring session, and a full schedule of excellent panels. I’ve loved this convention every year I’ve attended, and this year was no exception.

In October, I guested at the inaugural year of MultiVerseCon. Fun panels, good people, and great conversations in between my various scheduled events. This convention is off to a good start, and I look forward to returning. Plus the added fun of getting to introduce The Mighty Himself and the aforementioned Atlanta con family to each other.

And, finally, headed to Lombard, IL to serve as ToastMistress for WindyCon in Lombard, IL. And what a splendid time was had. These folks know how to throw a convention and spoil their GoHs, and every minute was a delight. Many thanks to Kerry Kuhn, Con Chairman, and a crack cadre of volunteers for all their many kindnesses to me and The Mighty Himself. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. November in the Chicago area is not for wimps, but I learned the joys of lap robes and multiple layers.

The traveling boots are drying by the fire, the suitcases have been put away for a few months, and I’m charging headfirst into the holidays with a very satisfied smile. It was a glorious year.

The curtain is about to come down on my 2019 convention season, but not before one last, very special engagement. I’ll be serving as ToastMistress for WindyCon 2019, Nov 15 - 17 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard, IL in the Chicago area. To say I am both honored and excited is putting it mildly.

On Friday at 7:00pm, Opening Ceremonies, wherein we get this party started.

On Saturday, I’ll be signing and visiting with folks from 11:00am to noon. Then I have about an hour to get into my fencing gear and warmed up for Fencing GoHs at 1:00pm with Geoffrey Landis, Mary A. Turzillo, and Elizabeth Moon. Yes, there will be pointy steel put to use in a variety of styles. Then at 6:00pm, in an hour called What Makes a Good Space Opera, I’ll have the pleasure of interviewing Elizabeth Moon.

My Sunday begins with a reading from 10:00am - 11:00am and concludes with Closing Ceremonies at 2:00pm.

I can’t think of a more perfect way to finish off the year’s schedule.

With very few exceptions, I enjoy working first-time conventions. Certainly, I’ve seen my share of disasters, but I’ve also seen the first year turn into the second and on to a long tradition. And it’s a lot of fun to be part of that. Which is why I’m looking forward to MultiverseCon’s inaugural weekend. So far, the folks behind this one seem to be doing things right.

My schedule certainly looks like a lot of fun. Here’s what I’ll be up to:

Friday October 18

1:00 pm to 2:00 pm: Opening Ceremonies. Meet the ConComm! Meet the Guests of Honor! Hear about some of the fun in store for us! And we’re OFF!

2:30 pm to 3:30 pm: So You Want to Write. A good panel for new and aspiring writers to learn more about being a writer from veteran writers. Panelists: Darin Kennedy, Lee Martindale (M), Rena Mason, Seanan McGuire, Jarvis Sheffield

2:30 pm to 3:30 pm: Place As Character. The write-up: “Urban fantasy often delights its audience by setting stories in places they know like New Orleans, Atlanta, and New York. How important is Place to the authors of Urban Fantasy and how important is it that those places be from the real world or is approximation enough? Panelists: Stuart Jaffe, Kyoko M (M), Lee Martindale, L.L. McKinney

5:30 pm to 6:30 pm: Accessibility in Futuristic Societies. The write-up: “Accessibility is not just about bigger bathrooms or assistive devices. Creating welcoming environments for people with differing abilities and challenges is vital to a well-functioning society. From dampening loud noises for people with autism or PTSD, to strengthening floors for people wearing exoskeletons, panelists will discuss ways future societies can apply advancements to ensure everyone has what they need to thrive. Panelists: Meg Elison, Tiara Janté, Lee Martindale (M), Josh Roseman, Alex White

Sunday, October 20

10:00 am to 11:00 am: Beyond The Sword. The write-up: “The sword has a central place in fantasy. Panelists will discuss the swords they love and the swords they hate and what weapons from other cultures might fill the place the sword currently holds in fantasy. Panelists: Paige L. Christie, Milton Davis (M), Lee Martindale, Balogun Ojetade

1:00 pm to 2:00 pm: The Outsiders. The write-up: “Inclusion has become a large and important area of focus in fantasy. How do you write characters from outside your own experience? How do you avoid the pitfalls of stale, stereotypical characterizations that depend on old tropes that have become unviable in storytelling and bring something fresh and new to the genre? The panel will discuss writing characters from outside your culture, gender, and orientation. Panelists: Darin Kennedy, Kyoko M, Lee Martindale (M), Errick Nunnally

It’s that time of year again. Lists are being made. The BattleChariot is getting a good checking out. Electronics are being paired with their chargers are being tested. I’m banking a little extra sleep against upcoming nights of not nearly enough. And my tentative programming schedule has arrived. DragonCon is less than a month away!

Here’s what currently on my schedule:

Thursday, Aug 29

1:00pm - 3:30pm: Writing Killer Openings Workshop. No better way to kick off my DragonCon than by warping young writer minds and, hopefully, improving slush piles near and far. Live exercises, on-the-spot critiques by yours truly, and fun will be had by all. At last report, there were still spots available. Check it out at https://www.dragoncon.org/things-to-do/programming/workshops/#killer

The evening will be spent with friends from the Costuming Track.

Friday, Aug 30

10:00am - 12:30pm: Writing Killer Openings Workshop. No, you’re not seeing double. Last year, there were so many on the waiting list that, this year, it was decided to add a second session. Same as above, including there being spots still available and where to check it out.

2:30pm - 3:30pm: Why We Read. So many reasons, so little time to talk about why we pick up a book.

5:30pm - 6:30pm: Writing for Today's Savvy Audiences. How do you catch the attention of today’s more sophisticated readers and keep them coming back for more? Panelists: Jonathan Maberry, Cinda Williams Chima, John G. Hartness, Lee Martindale

7:00pm - 8:00pm: Reading. They’re turning me loose for an hour with an audience and my stories. Which story I’ll read hasn’t been decided yet.

Sunday, Sept 1

11:30am - 12:30pm: Who Needs Research? One writer’s casual toss-off of a minor detail can be the reason a reader stops reading if it’s wrong. There’s isn’t a genre out there where it doesn’t happen. We’ll discuss how to research and when to stop and start writing. Panelists: Lee Martindale, D.J. Butler, Marc Alan Edelheit, Declan Finn, John L. Flynn (M), K.N. Lee (M)

1:00pm - 2:00pm: 15-Minute Mentor Session: A chance for budding authors to talk one-on-one with a successful industry professional about business, promotion, the writing process, & career advice. Sign up in the Writer's Track. (Embassy C-D)

4:00pm - 5:00pm: Author Signing: Come by and say hello!

As I said above, this is going to be fun. And having all of Monday free (so far!) may give me a chance to catch a panel or two or catch up with friends. I definitely want to catch one of Tom Smith’s concerts some time during the weekend. And who knows what other mischief I might get into. It’s DragonCon, after all!

Are you a writer? Are you going to DragonCon? Would you like to sharpen your skills in grabbing the reader’s attention right off the bat? Thanks to the success of last year’s sold-out-and-then-some “Writing Killer Openings” workshop, I’ll be teaching two sessions during DragonCon 2019. We’ll use live exercises and individual critiques to help students get out of the slush pile and into shopping carts.

Students signing up can chose either the Thursday, Aug. 29th session at 1:00pm or the Friday, Aug. 30th session at 10:00am. There’s a hard limit of 20 students per session. If last year’s response is any indication, advanced registration is highly recommended.

For further information, see http://www.dragoncon.org/?q=Acting_Workshop

This thing of beauty is the Kevin J. O’Donnell Service to SFWA Award, given by the President and Board of Directors of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Award in recognition of exemplary service by a member to the organization and fellow members. I was very proud to be honored as its recipient at the 2019 Nebula Conference in Los Angeles.

I was firmly convinced that I blithered during my acceptance remarks, but you can judge for yourself. The presentation begins at around the 30:42 mark.

I knew, going in, that the last Wholanta was going to be emotional. It has been one of the highlights of my convention year for over a decade. I’ve collected a bushel of one-of-a-kind memories over the years that will always make me smile. Selfish as it may be, I simply did not want it to end.

But if it had to, Wholanta’s final bow was a good one. Excellent programming across multiple tracks, delightful conversations all over the place (including many with Jon Davey, the actor beneath a bunch of my favorite Doctor Who monsters and aliens), and a happy mix of old friends and new. In short, everything that’s made it a grand gathering year after year.

Intellectually, I know that conrunners get tired and need a break. I know that it’s entirely possible that, as they’ve said, Wholanta is ending “for now” and could rise again in a few years. I hope so. Because, if a mad individual steps out of a blue police box and beckons me to come aboard, I’ll say yes. In a heartbeat.

I’m prepping and packing for Wholanta and, throughout the process, a song has been running through my head. It’s from the musical Serafina!, although I first encountered it in a 1989 movie called Sing. In both shows, the song serves the plotline of diaspora, celebrating what has been before moving on to what might be.

The folks behind Wholanta have announced that this convention’s fourteenth year will be its last “for a while”. What that means, we don’t know. What we do know if that this one is shaping up to go out in grand style. And I have a tasty programming schedule as Exhibit A.

8:00pm - Author Readings. Kathleen Sullivan/Lee Martindale. According to the schedule, I’ve got the second half of the hour.

10:00pm - “Kill Her! Kill Her A Lot!: The Legacy of Buffy”. The write-up: “The show that wrote the book for the teenage-angst-interrupted-by-monsters genre was riding high twenty years ago.” Join our panel of Buffy fans & experts as we walk the dark alleys of Sunnydale. Panelists: Lee Martindale, Ken Spivey, Georges Jeanty, Aaron Dunne.

What? You didn’t know I was a Buffy fan?

Saturday, May 4

noon - “Starting To Write”. The write-up: “You want to write a book. How do you get started and how do you continue? What might you need to know?” Panelists: Lee Martindale, Debbie Vigue, Robin Burks.

2:00pm - “Goodbye, Doctor: Companion Farewells” - Over the years, companion departures have been almost as traumatic as Doctor regenerations. I suspect we all have our favorites. Panelists: Lee Martindale, Courtland Lewis, Kelly Yates.

7:00pm - “Hard SF or Soft?” - The write-up: “What is Hard SF? What qualifies as soft sf? How do we tell the difference?” Panelists: Lee Martindale, Sue Phillips

10:00pm - “FanFiction As A Writing Exercise” - The write-up: “Over the years a number of very good pro writers have written fanfic. We discuss how this may help or hinder their craft.” Panelists: Lee Martindale, Sue Phillips

Sunday, May 5

1:00pm - “Why We Write” - The write-up: “Why do we write? What drives us to create with words?” Panelists: Lee Martindale, Robin Burks

3:00pm - “Literary Track Closing Ceremonies” - The write-up: “We say goodbye to the Lit Track for the last time.”

Last year, I had the pleasure of teaching a sold-out-and-then-some workshop at DragonCon called “Writing Killer Openings”. Students focused on writing opening lines and paragraphs that grab reader attention right out of the gate through the use of live exercises and individual critiques. It was, apparently, quite successful and definitely a lot of fun.

I’m pleased to report that I’ll be doing it again, times two, at DragonCon 2019. Students signing up can chose either the Thursday, Aug. 29th session at 1:00pm or the Friday, Aug. 30th session at 10:00am. There’s a limit of 20 students per session.

For further information, see http://www.dragoncon.org/?q=Acting_Workshop

One of the marks of a good convention is how much of the return flight I sleep through. In the case of my recent return from AnachroCon, I nodded off as we were pushing back from the gate and returned to consciousness about a half-an-hour before we started our descent into DFW. AnachroCon was a *very* good convention.

With it being the con’s 10th Anniversary and with the theme of “Time-Travelers’ Ball”, the field was wide open for a full range of solid costuming that is an AnachroCon trademark. The many fine programming tracks, killer vendor room, special events, and concerts made excellent use of the convention space in their first year at the Hilton Atlanta Airport.

My programming schedule was concentrated on the Writer Track and except for being scheduled opposite Opening Ceremonies and the Costume Contest, could not have been better. Good topics, good discussions, and the fun of working with writers I’d not had a chance to work with before. Built into it was plenty of time to visit with friends, chat with fans and fellow writers, and spend time at my vendor table.

Many thanks to the concomm and volunteers for their many kindnesses and for doing what they do so very well.

As for the case of con crud that announced its feverish and congested presence three days after getting home, I earned it.

The traveling boots have been dug out of the closet, suitcases are being filled, and an eye is being kept on 10-day weather forecasts in two cities. And, because I haven’t done this in a few months, I’m double-checking packing lists. Experience has taught me that if I’m going to forget to pack something vital, it will be on the first convention trip of the year.

First up in 2019 is AnachroCon, Feb. 15 - 18 in Atlanta. This year’s theme is “Time Travelers’ Ball” and, based on my schedule so far, it’s going to be grand fun.

5:00pm: Time Travel Stories and Why We Love Them. What is it about time travel stories that catch our imaginations and make them so popular. Panelists: Stephanie Osborn, Lee Martindale (M), Dan Hollifield, Cecilia Dominic.

1:00pm: Fish Out of Water Tropes. Tropes are tropes for a reason. What makes them work and why do we love this one. Panelists: Mandy Burkhead (M), G.D Burkhead, Stephanie Osborn, Kyle Hannah, Kate Shaw, Lee Martindale.

And that’s just the Literature Track! Panels, including those on other tracks, could be added any time between now and the end of the convention. I’ll also have table space in the AnachroMall Vendor Room where I’ll be selling books, signing autographs, chatting with folks, and trying to resist the temptations available from all the Purveyors of Fine Temptations therein.

As I said, grand fun anticipated. Especially if I manage *not* to forget to pack something vital.

As you may know, I’m a huge fan of Dragon Con, the annual gathering of 80,000 or so genre fans that pretty much takes over downtown Atlanta during Labor Day Weekend. Once again this year, I have the honor of being one of the guests, and I’m very much looking forward to industrial-strength mischief, excellent programming, superb costuming, and untold hours of prime people-watching while visiting with friends and fans.

My tentative schedule has arrived, and it is wonderful! In addition to a fine roster of my favorite programming-related activities, there are two new things on my plate: teaching a workshop and taking part in the “15-minute mentoring” sessions. I am excited!

It being the tentative schedule, things are subject to change. Additions to or deletions from the list of my scheduled activities, time changes, alterations to the list of panelists are all possible at this stage. Watch this space, the Dragon Con website, and the Dragon Con app when it goes live. But as of right now:

Thursday, August 30

1:00pm - 3:30pm: Workshop - Writing Killer Openings. That workshop mentioned above, wherein I’ll lead the attendees through live exercises and critiques geared to sharpening their skills in writing openers that grab the reader right out of the gate.

As I write this, there are still a few slots available. Check it out at http://dragoncon.org/?q=Acting_Workshop

Early evening: Once again this year, I’ll be giving the fine folks on the Costuming Track the opportunity to practice on a live wheelie as they train on panel room procedures.

2:30pm - 3:30pm: 15-Minute Mentor Sessions. The write-up: “A chance for budding authors to talk one-on-one with a successful industry professional about business, promotion, the writing process, and career advice. Sign up in the Writer's Track (Embassy C-D).”

Saturday, September 1

1:00pm - 2:00pm: Autograph Session. Stop by to get something signed or to say hi.

7:00pm - 8:00pm. Keeping a Series Moving. The write-up: “In SF/F fiction, the series is more popular than ever. How do you plan a series? How do you develop a compelling character? Successful series writers discuss the challenges of series fiction.” Panelists: Cheree Alsop, Todd McCaffrey, Jennifer St. Giles, Janny Wurts, Lee Martindale (M), John D. Ringo.

Sunday, September 2

11:30am - 1:30pm: 200 Years of Women in SF. The write-up: “In 1818, Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein. Taking that as a starting point, our panelists will discuss women in SF, how they have fared, who they are, and how things have changed over the years. Presented in conjunction with the Diversity in SF track.” Panelists: Bethany Kesler (M), Lee Martindale, L. M. Davis, Anya Martin, Trisha J. Wooldridge, Amy J. Murphy.

10:00am - 11:00am: Comfort Reads. The write-up: “There are books we keep coming back to, keep re-reading. Some make us feel better when we're down, some are just so mesmerizing that they demand a re-read. Discuss with our panelists the books they love and the books that you love, too.” Panelists: Lee Martindale (M), Robert J. Sawyer.

Along the way, I’m hoping to see share meals with friends, see folks I don’t see all that often, spend time with convention regulars, and enjoy the heck out of what Dragon Con has to offer.

Hot on the heels of Wholanta (as in the following weekend), I’ll be a guest at OutlantaCon/Gaylaxicon, a wonderful SF convention focused on the LBGT+ community. I’ve been attending this one for years and always have a grand time. This year should be no exception, and I have the programming assignments to prove it!

Friday, May 11

5:00pm - 6:00pm: Opening Ceremonies. Wherein we kick off the 10th year of OutlantaCon, welcome Gaylaxicon back to Atlanta, and see what’s in store.

My next convention is Wholanta, the very fine Atlanta gathering centered around Doctor Who and British media that takes place May 4 - 6th at the Atlanta Airport Hilton. The programming for this convention is always good, and this year is no exception. I have a delightfully full schedule of panels and other mischief. Behold!

Friday, May 4

6:00pm: Opening Ceremony

7:00pm: A Genre is a Genre is a Genre. Remember when a genre work was either science fiction or fantasy? Now, it seems, new genres and subgenres crop up with every new publication. Panelists: Sue Phillips, Lee Martindale, Shawn Carter.

9:00pm: Be Kind - Saying Goodbye to the Twelfth Doctor. Peter Capaldi has passed the key to the Tardis to his successor. Looking back on his three-season run and the companions who went along for the ride. Panelists: Alan Siler, Rob Levy, Courtland Lewis, Lee Martindale

Saturday, May 5

10:00am: Breakfast With The Books. Grab a cup of coffee (or other morning beverage of choice) and join us for a discussion of favorite books, recommendations, and general appreciation of reading and readers. Panelists: Sue Phillips, Lee Martindale

11:00am: Alt History or Steampunk? A discussion of early alternate history, the introduction of steampunk, and the paths taken to the present. Panelists: Bill Ritch, Lee Martindale, Dawn Benton

3:00pm: The Man Behind "A Brief History of Time. Our tribute to the late British physicist and author Stephen Hawking. Panelists: Lee Martindale, Robert Lloyd

4:00pm: Book Signing: Two books make their debut at this year’s event: Why I Geek: An Anthology of Fandom Origin Stories and Children of Time: The Companions of Doctor Who. The editors and as many contributors as can be mustered of both works will be there to sign your copies.

5:00pm: If Fandom Is Broken, How Do We Fix It? From the write-up: “Given all the negativity, we ask the question, is fandom broken? A look at the issues, and ways to combat ‘toxic fandom’”. Panelists: Mark Hefferman, Lee Martindale, Candace Young

6:00pm: Comfort Reads. The write-up: “Are there books you go back to over and over? What makes a comfort read?” Panelists: Lee Martindale, Sue Phillips, Kelly Swilley Ceccato, Dawn Benton

Sunday, May 6

2:00pm: Trending in SF. Grab your crystal ball for a roundtable discussion of the next Big Thing in speculative fiction. What genre will be next to explode onto the scene. What writers should be keeping an eye out for? Panelist: Lee Martindale

6:00pm: Closing Ceremony

You can find complete information on Wholanta, including the full schedule and list of guests, at http://www.wholanta.com